The funny thing about Leland Klassen is how versatile he is. Raised in Prince Albert and schooled in Saskatoon where he earned his anthropology degree, Klassen made his name as a comedian. But he is also an actor, as you can see in the new American release Extraordinary, based on the true story of long distance runner David Horton and the toll his running took on his marriage. Klassen, who plays the lead in the faith-based film, talks to Cam Fuller about the ways in which the story resonates with his own life.

Q: How did you get a part in this film?

A: I had done a small comedic role for the same producers a year earlier. It was a last minute fill in for them. I guess I look like an ultra-marathon runner too…skinny and weak.

Q: What was film acting like?

A: It’s very different, but you use a lot of the same muscles when you do that work. I’m actually doing a lot of acting when I’m story-telling or just explaining situations I’ve been in with my stand-up. It also helped that I could really empathize with the character. To pursue his passion, he neglects his family and that’s the heart of the story. To pursue stand-up comedy, I’ve struggled with the same thing with my family, and we’ve had to work through similar difficulties.

Q: Did you train as a runner for this part?

A: I found out I got the role about a month or so out, so I immediately started running every day. I figured I just needed to get into decent running shape. I was running up to 10 miles a day while I was out there. In fact, on days off I would study my lines by recording them onto my phone and go running while listening to the playback.

Leland Klassen and Shari Rigby in ExtraordinarySASwp

Q: Did you you meet your real-life counterpart?

A: I met the real life Dr. David Horton and his wife Nancy. He was exactly how he was described to me. He’s a nice guy, but some people don’t know how to take him because he’s kind of abrupt when he talks. He’s very direct and likes to tease. He and I got along great. He’s very funny.

Q: What, to you, is the message of the movie?

A: The message of the movie is really about priorities. What you prioritize in your life completely shapes who you are and what you think of those around you and subsequently how you treat those people. That goes for your faith, your family and friends and your occupation.

Extraordinary screens at STM Auditorium on Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. Klassen, who lives outside Vancouver, will attend. Tickets $12 at the door.

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